A woman who lured several high-ranking monks, including the abbot of a famous temple in Thailand, into confidential relationships and extorted large sums of money has been apprehended. The incident has caused significant repercussions in Thailand, where 90% of the population practices Buddhism.
On the 16th (local time), foreign media, including the Associated Press and Bangkok Post, reported that Thai police arrested a woman named Wilawan Amsawat (35), nicknamed 'Miss Golf,' in a luxury dwelling complex in Nonthaburi province the day before. It is reported that she had earned 385 million baht (approximately 16.4 billion won) over three years by engaging in sexual relations with around 10 high-ranking monks. She is facing charges of extortion and money laundering.
While incidents involving ordinary monks are not uncommon in Thailand, a case involving a large number of high-ranking monks is considered very unusual. Police believe Wilawan targeted and seduced high-ranking monks for financial gain. Investigations revealed that she transferred large sums of money from them after starting romantic relationships.
Wilawan became a target of investigation after the abbot of a famous temple in Bangkok disappeared and later returned to lay life at the end of last month. Investigations revealed that this abbot had a romantic relationship with Wilawan. She reportedly demanded 7.8 million baht (approximately 334 million won), claiming that she was pregnant. When the abbot refused, she informed other monks about the situation, and the abbot fled to Laos.
From the five mobile phones confiscated from Wilawan, police found 80,000 photos and videos of her with various eminent monks from different temples. Numerous chat records detailing her secret relationships with several monks, which she used for blackmail and extortion, were also discovered.
Police have also identified that a 60-year-old abbot from another temple sent Wilawan 380,000 baht (approximately 16.2 million won) from his temple account and 12.8 million baht (approximately 54.7 million won) from his personal account in February.
Wilawan reportedly told police that she had sexual relations with nine monks, of whom eight returned to lay life afterward. According to the police, 385 million baht (approximately 16.4 billion won) has been deposited into Wilawan's bank account over the past three years. She reportedly squandered most of this money on online gambling.
Police have identified at least nine individuals, including abbots and elders involved in this incident, who have been expelled from their monastic positions. They also announced the establishment of a Facebook page for reporting monks engaging in inappropriate behavior.
In Thailand, a country practicing Theravada Buddhism, strict celibacy is expected of monks. Male monks are viewed as committing a grave sin if they engage in any physical contact with human females as well as female animals.
Jirayuth Huangsap, the spokesperson for the Thai government, noted that acting Prime Minister Poomtham Wechayachai has directed relevant authorities to review and strengthen legal provisions related to 'enhancing the transparency of temple finances' to restore trust within the Buddhist community affected by this incident.